Avanir's neurodex ready for Phase III.(Friday, January 14)(AVANIR Pharmaceuticals clinical trials)(Brief Article)

Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc. received the FDA's blessing to begin a Phase III trial of Neurodex in pain, at the same time continuing work on its rolling new drug application in pseudobulbar affect. The parties reached agreement on pivotal testing of the drug for painful diabetic neuropathy, a type of chronic neuropathic pain, through a special protocol assessment plan. San Diego-based Avanir said it would begin the Phase III trial in the first half of this year. "This gives the investment community a little more belief in what you're …